Current OIC Biography

LCDR Reg Preston, originally from Lyman,
Nebraska, graduated from Iowa State
University and received his commission
through the Naval Reserve Officer Training
Corps in 2003. He has earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in Agricultural Engineering from
Iowa State, and Master’s degrees in
Engineering Management from Cornell
University and National Security and Strategic
Studies from the Naval War College.

Following completion of nuclear power training
and Submarine Officer Basic course in 2004, he
reported to USS HELENA (SSN 725), in San
Diego, California. LCDR Preston completed
both Western and Eastern Pacific deployments
during his tour. Qualifying in Submarines on
HELENA, he served as the Chemical and
Radiological Controls Assistant, Assistant
Operations Officer, and interim Engineer
Officer. After his Junior Officer tour, he served
on the staff at Cornell University NROTC in
Ithaca, New York, as a Senior Visiting Lecturer
and student advisor.

Upon completion of the Submarine Officer Advanced course in February 2010, he reported to USS
CHICAGO (SSN 721) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he served as Engineer Officer. Relieving early in an
Engineered Overhaul at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, LCDR Preston helped transform CHICAGO back into
a warship ‘certified for tasking’ in the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility after shifting homeport to the
territory of Guam in the Western Pacific. Following his Engineer tour, he served as both the Operations
Officer at Submarine Group TWO in Groton, Connecticut, and the Chief of Staff for the Enlisted Women
in Submarines Task Force.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards),
and Navy Achievement Medal (three awards). He currently resides in Pawcatuck, Connecticut, with his
wife Katey and their two daughters.